Completely transform an old dresser into something stylish with these affordable upcycling ideas.
8 Upcycled Dresser Ideas
Updated on Sep. 24, 2024
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Cane Webbing Details
To upcycle this dated dresser, @wild_sparrow_designs wanted to do more than just paint it. The new color (Simply White by Benjamin Moore) was just the beginning. She added cane webbing to all nine drawer fronts for texture, and sleek gold hardware. Now the once dark and dusty dresser is ready for a second life with its new modern boho vibe.
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Wallpaper Drawers
Lining the interior of drawers with wallpaper is a fun way to update a dresser, but check out this spin on the idea from @lindezafurniture.
After painting the dresser pink and replacing the hardware, she added wallpaper to the sides of each drawer. This way the contents of the dresser don’t cover up the pretty wallpaper, and the pattern peeks out every time you open a drawer.
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Remove Drawers
By removing drawers, you can transform a dresser into a buffet or credenza-style piece, like this example from @bowtietreasures. He took out the bottom two drawers and converted the openings into shelves by adding contrasting wood and removing the drawer tracks. The pretty blue paint color is Sea Glass by Dixie Belle Paint.
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@salvage.with.shelby What do yall think of this transformation? This piece was so fun for me! #furnitureflip #furnituremakeover #diy #midcentury #mcmfurniture #midcenturymodernfurniture #fyp #dresserflip ♬ Do It Better – Beachcrimes & Tia Tia
Wood Shims
Unconventional materials might be the key to creating a successful upcycled design. Follow along as @salvage.with.shelby gives this dresser a quirky makeover with wood shims!
After sanding and painting the dresser black, she attached wood shims to half of the drawer fronts. The plain black and wood-shim drawers, along with mismatched hardware, create a playful alternating pattern.
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Bathroom Vanity
A vintage dresser makes a great bathroom vanity, as seen in this example from @vintagemoderneclectic. After painting the dresser a bright sunshine yellow with a high-gloss lacquer finish, her customer Patricia Storts modified it with two sinks. Now it’s a stunning, one-of-a-kind bathroom vanity!
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@dawson.diy Dresser into a bar?? YES #diyproject #furnitureflip #furnituremakeover #paintedfurniture #diybar #upcycling ♬ original sound – Blue Nightmare
Dresser to Bar
Watch as @dawson.diy upcycles an old dresser to create a chic bar in just a few steps.
First, he removed the bottom two drawers and framing to create a whole new silhouette. Next, primer and paint — a rich and moody dark green color. Modern legs and gold hardware complete the updated look, and the previous drawer space provides the perfect spot for bottles and drinkware.
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Just Add Shelves
This gorgeous buffet piece from @millhousemanor was once a regular dresser. After painting it white, removing the center drawers and refinishing the top, she decided she wanted more storage space.
She and her husband built shelves and placed them on top of the dresser. The open shelves create a beautiful display for dishes and decor without blocking the view of the rest of the space.
Note: Because the shelves aren’t attached to anything, this could be a tipping hazard. All shelves should be securely attached to a wall, especially if there are children, pets or vulnerable others in the home.
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@smorhome UPCYCLED FLUTED DRAWERS. I stumbled across a secondhand vanity with a mirror so I removed the mirror and created rounded fluted ends using PVC pipes. A lick of paint later and it’s quite the glow up! Visit my website for the materials and tutorial. Happy upcycling! #upcycled #upcycle #trashtotreasure #learningontiktok #fyp #upcycledfurniture #diy #furnitureflip #upcycledcabinet #flutedcabinet ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Fluted Sides
New paint and hardware gives an old dresser a new look, but @smorhome took her upcycle project to a new level. She added fluted, curved sides to the dresser with PVC pipe.
After cutting the PVC pipes to size and attaching them, she painted the whole thing a creamy neutral color and installed gold hardware. Despite only spending a little over $100, the finished DIY project looks like an expensive high-end piece.
